In wrapping up my first week, I've learned that Italy is a place that doesn't follow rules all the time. For example, pedestrians do not have the right away. When crossing the street you WILL get hit by a crazy Italian driver if you aren't extra cautious. Dogs for the most part don't have leashes. They wander around with their owners somewhere nearby. Hence, why I almost ran over a Chihuahua that darted out in front of my bike.
Working at this camp, there are a lot of differences from schools I've taught at in and around New York City. New York has laws about the ratio of children to adults. This is not the case at this school clearly after my debacle being in charge of 23 children that don't speak my language. Plans to go in the small swimming pools in the garden, thwarted by an afternoon thunderstorm? No way! Let's swim with streaks of lightning! Side note, the toplessness is not just left to the nude beaches here in Italy.. the girls at school only wear bikini bottoms.
We (Maria and I) are supposed to do a presentation every Friday for the parents about what we did that week with the children. Since this is my first week, I'm a little nervous, but we agree I will speak first in English, and she will translate to Italian. It's then that I realize I can say anything at all, and 99% of them won't have a clue as to what I'm saying. "It is so hot that I want to jump in a pool naked and also I really want a hotdog." They would all just smile and nod.
Of course I don't, and the presentation goes smoothly. The director is quite happy with the projects I somehow managed the children to produce, including the Japanese Koi Fish Flags for our theme of Asia that are traditionally used to celebrate Children's Day in Japan, that I've strung through one of the trees in the garden.
After spending a full week now at the camp, I can say that Italian children are definitely more sensitive, passionate, angry, and sometimes extremely whiny. On the other hand, I have seen such genuine kindness, compassion, and concern from them towards each other. The older ones really help take care of the younger ones; they are their own little community and the love of the little ones really shows.
Here's some moments I captured at camp this week:
Working at this camp, there are a lot of differences from schools I've taught at in and around New York City. New York has laws about the ratio of children to adults. This is not the case at this school clearly after my debacle being in charge of 23 children that don't speak my language. Plans to go in the small swimming pools in the garden, thwarted by an afternoon thunderstorm? No way! Let's swim with streaks of lightning! Side note, the toplessness is not just left to the nude beaches here in Italy.. the girls at school only wear bikini bottoms.
We (Maria and I) are supposed to do a presentation every Friday for the parents about what we did that week with the children. Since this is my first week, I'm a little nervous, but we agree I will speak first in English, and she will translate to Italian. It's then that I realize I can say anything at all, and 99% of them won't have a clue as to what I'm saying. "It is so hot that I want to jump in a pool naked and also I really want a hotdog." They would all just smile and nod.
Of course I don't, and the presentation goes smoothly. The director is quite happy with the projects I somehow managed the children to produce, including the Japanese Koi Fish Flags for our theme of Asia that are traditionally used to celebrate Children's Day in Japan, that I've strung through one of the trees in the garden.
Here's some moments I captured at camp this week:
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| Hide and seek in the garden. |
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| Hand games/songs in the garden. |
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| An older child comforting a little one. |
On another note, I've never been so disgusting in my whole life, I don't think. Every day I'm covered in sweat from the 95 degree weather, dirt, and bug spray that is totally necessary as the mosquitos are like none other I've experienced before. I'm also full of bread, bread, and more pasta and bread. Chef kept it up all week with rice and veggies, potatoes, and thank the lord some fish on Friday. It was finally the weekend! Time for a drink I think..and perhaps a weekend adventure..